Loading & Unloading

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A poorly loaded trailer is dangerous — even a well-hitched one. Weight distribution affects stability, stopping distance, and tyre wear. Take a few extra minutes to get it right before you leave.

Never exceed the trailer's ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass). The ATM is printed on the compliance plate attached to the trailer. Overloading voids your hire agreement and your vehicle's insurance, and is illegal under NSW road rules.

Weight Distribution — Get This Right

The 60/40 Rule

Front-heavy keeps the trailer stable

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Aim to load 60% of the total weight forward of the axle and 40% behind it. This creates positive downward pressure on the tow ball (called tow ball download), which keeps the trailer tracking straight and reduces the risk of sway.

Heaviest items go at the front of the load, low and centred.
Medium items go behind heavy items, still forward of the axle where possible.
Light items go at the rear — tools, empty containers, loose gear.
Never overload the rear — this creates a "tail-heavy" trailer that will sway dangerously at speed.

Tow ball download: Should be roughly 10% of the total trailer weight. Too light and the trailer sways. Too heavy and it lifts your vehicle's front wheels, reducing steering control.

Side-to-Side Balance

Even weight left and right

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Load must be balanced left-to-right. An uneven load causes the trailer to lean and can cause excessive tyre wear or a tyre blowout on the heavier side.
If you have an odd-shaped load, estimate the weight on each side and even it up with counterweight items.
After loading, push the trailer sideways at the drawbar — it should resist evenly. If it tilts to one side, redistribute.

Securing Your Load

Unsecured loads are illegal and dangerous

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Under NSW law, all loads must be properly restrained. You are responsible for ensuring nothing falls from the trailer. Fines apply and you can be held liable for any damage caused.

Use ratchet straps rated for the weight of your load — standard straps should have a working load limit (WLL) clearly marked.
Anchor straps to the tie-down points on the trailer floor — do not attach to the cage mesh or wall panels.
Tie diagonally across the load to prevent forward and sideways movement.
For loose items, use a cargo net, tarpaulin, or load cover secured at all four corners.
Check straps are tight after driving the first few minutes — loads settle and straps can loosen.

No strap left behind. Do not leave unsecured straps hanging out of the cage — they can catch on road features or other vehicles, causing serious injury.

Using the Loading Ramp

Setting Up the Ramp

Before any load goes on

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Park the towing vehicle and trailer on flat, level ground before lowering or connecting the ramps. Never load on a slope if it can be avoided.
Apply the trailer's handbrake before setting up the ramp/s.
Lower or connect the ramps fully and check it is seated securely on the ground or in their locators on the back of the trailer — it should not flex or shift underfoot.
Check the ramp surface is dry and free of mud, grease, or debris before using.
If loading a ride-on mower or machine — ensure the ramp width is adequate and the ramp's rated capacity is not exceeded.

Loading Up the Ramp

Slow and steady

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Drive or push the item up the ramp slowly and steadily, and keep a licenced driver in the drivers seat at all times. Do not rush or allow the item to build momentum by applying the brakes or handbrake when required.
Keep the load centred on the ramp — off-centre loads can tip the ramp sideways.
Have a spotter standing to the side — never stand behind a load coming up a ramp or between the ramp and the trailer.
Once on the trailer, position the load forward of the axle, centre it side-to-side, and apply the load's own parking brake if available.
Secure the load before raising or packing upg the ramp.

Unloading

Work in reverse — safety first

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Park on flat ground before unloading. Apply handbrake and unhitch is not required — but ensure the tow vehicle is in park/gear.
Remove all restraining straps before driving or pushing the load off.
Lower the ramp fully, or install the ramps correctly in their locators. Check the ground at the base is solid — ramp ends can dig in on soft surfaces.
Drive or guide the load backwards off the ramp slowly, with a spotter alongside if possible.
Once the load is clear, lift and secure the ramp before moving the trailer.

Ramp on soft ground? Place a piece of plywood or flat timber under the ramp feet to stop them sinking and tipping the ramp.

Load Security Checklist

Run through this before every trip. If any item is "no" — fix it before you tow.

ATM not exceeded

60/40 front-to-rear weight split

Load balanced left-to-right

All straps tight and anchored

Tarpaulin or cover secured if needed

No items overhanging sides or rear

Ramp raised and latched

Nothing loose in cabin either

Stop and re-check at 5 km. Pull over in a safe spot shortly after departing and check your straps again — loads shift in the first few minutes and straps can loosen. This is normal; tighten and continue.

Weight Distribution — Get This Right

Using the Loading Ramp

Load Security Checklist